Sydney Olympic Park recently hosted the 2016 Rites of Passage Tattoo Festival. The event was held in Sydney, Australia for the first time since its inception.
The Rites of Passage Festival first commenced in Melbourne, VIC Australia 5 years ago and has been held annually since. Spekture was fortunate enough to attend the Sydney show to see first-hand the talented artists at work, as well as experience the accompanying activities that supported this exciting event.
The Rites of Passage Festival prides itself on the celebration of creativity and diversity, connecting different individuals through body art at an all-inclusive event. Built on a the core value of ‘family’, event organizers asked that all forget ego and self-righteousness, to bring back the meaning behind ‘tattooing’ that is important to so many. Tattooing has well and truly become part of our modern day life. Whether you adorn one yourself, or know someone who does, tattoos are broadly accepted as a form of body art around the world, and it would appear that the practice is here to stay.
The festival provides an opportunity for artists and tattoo enthusiasts to share their story, to express their journey with pride and to connect to all like-minded people about an art form that has evolved long since the times of outlaw sailors. Festival organizer, Kevin Mack, worked tirelessly to orchestrate the event, bringing together over 250 of the best tattoo artists from around Australia and the world.
Featured artists in attendance included;
- Andrew Smith; Ink Slave Tattoo –Australia
- Aniela Fruduva; BlckByrn –Sweden
- Tater Tatts; Old-Faithful Tattoo –Australia
- Jake Danielson; Empire Tattoo – Australia
- Khail Aitken; Sinister Ink – Australia
- Khan Tattoo; Kahn Tattoo Studio –Australia
- Nikko Hurtado; Black Anchor Collective – USA
Over the course of three massive days, the event saw over 10,000 patrons attend to experience the artists, live entertainment, MX Freestyle, food, art competitions and exhibitions for upcoming and talented tattoo artists and the Miss Rites of Passage pageant. The pageant included Australian tattooed beauties Tattooed Katia and Chloe Raven and was hosted by American TV Personality Bernadette Macias. Alexandra Louise was the eventual winner, crowned Miss Rites of Passage 2016.
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